Intelligent tutoring system

A method for adaptive training of a learner in a domain comprising a field of knowledge, using a computer having an input for entry of information, a memory for storing information, a CPU for executing programs and processing information, and an output for presentation of results of execution of a program and processing information, said method comprising:

• storing in said memory a Domain Module having a reusable generic domain shell which is independent of said domain for organizing domain data, and for interactive domain simulation;
• storing in said memory a Tutor Module having a reusable model-based tutor shell which includes predetermined training paradigm/domain/learner-generic pedagogical knowledge and skills, and which is adaptable to a particular audience and a particular domain through entry of specific data;
• entering domain specific, audience specific and learner specific data into said Domain Module and said Tutor Module, said audience comprising a group of prospective learners to be trained;
• said computer performing interactive training of said learner based on information selected and communicated from said Domain Module and said Tutor Module, according to instructions from said Tutor Module.

A method for adaptive training of a learner in a domain comprising a field of knowledge, said method comprising:

• providing a component including a hierarchically ordered set of data comprising units of domain information concerning said domain;
• providing a paradigm for delivery of said domain information to said learner according to a hierarchy of said set of data, said paradigm including a plurality of rules concerning prerequisites for each of said units of domain information, including mastery levels for other units of domain information;
• and
• dynamically adapting a sequence and manner of delivery to said learner of said units of domain information within said hierarchy, to a current assessment of the learners knowledge and skill level within the domain, based on an application of rules contained in said paradigm utilizing principles of fuzzy logic.

A method for operating a computer system for training a learner, the method comprising the steps of:

• storing a tutoring module and a Domain Module in said computer;
• associating the tutoring module and the Domain Module to obtain at least one learning paradigm having at least one training goal;
• providing for interaction by the learner with the Domain Module, said interaction including said computer delivering training actions to said learner, and said learner entering responsive actions into said computer;
• establishing a course for the learner comprising a sequence for delivery of training actions, based on the learning paradigm and the interaction by the learner;
• and
• modifying the course based on the interaction by the learner to achieve at least one training goal of the learning paradigm.

A method for instructing a learner using a computer, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a Domain Module associated with a Tutor Module thereby defining at least one training goal and at least one skill set related to each training goal via at least one teaching paradigm;
• providing a learner interface to provide instruction and to allow the learner to interact with the Domain Module and the Tutor Module;
• observing interaction between the learner and the Domain Module and the Tutor Module to obtain first interaction results;
• comparing the first interaction results with the at least one skill set to obtain a skill level of the learner;
• selecting a course of instruction based on the first interaction results and said at least one teaching paradigm;
• providing active instruction to the learner based on the course of instruction;
• monitoring the learner's actions during the active instruction to obtain second interaction results;
• modifying the course of instruction based on the second interaction results until at least one training goal is met;
• providing passive instruction to the learner based on the course of interaction;
• and
• providing the learner with control over tutoring modes.

A method for operating a computer for training of a learner, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a Domain Module comprising media data;
• providing a Tutor Module comprising at least one learning paradigm and at least one authoring tool, each learning paradigm associating media data of the Domain Module with at least one training objective and at least one skill set, each authoring tool defining for the Tutor Module a course module comprising audience data, job/task data, cognitive data, and training objectives, the audience data and cognitive data quantifying an educational goal, the course module being based on at least one relational association of course module elements to establish situated performance patterns;
• providing the Domain Module data to the learner through an interface;
• monitoring actions of the learner interacting with the Domain Module;
• determining a level of knowledge of the learner for at least one skill set based on the actions of the learner interacting with the Domain Module;
• selecting a training method based on the predicted level of knowledge of the learner;
• generating at least one course module comprising a sequence of selected training actions, based on the level of knowledge of the learner;
• providing instruction to the learner based on the course module;
• monitoring progress by the learner through the course module;
• identifying behavioral patterns of the learner during the progress of the learner through the course module;
• updating the determined level of knowledge of the learner based on the identified behavioral patterns;
• predicting a level of knowledge of the learner for at least one additional skill set based on at least one of the identified behavioral patterns, an associate of the skills sets, and the actions of the learner;
• providing directed training of said course module based on the predicted level of knowledge of the learner for at least one additional skill set;
• testing the level of knowledge of the learner to determine if at least one training goal is met;
• and
• providing adjusted directed training through said course module until at least one training goal is set.